Wendy Buffum
September 11, 2025Jay Dykstra
September 11, 2025Josue has 23 years of experience in the restaurant industry, with the last eight years at Hamra Enterprises. His career spans all levels of restaurant operations, starting as an Assistant Manager and advancing to Co-Manager, Training Store Manager, Customer Experience Manager, and District Manager before becoming the Regional Director of Operations.
What drives Josue’s passion for the restaurant industry is his genuine love for working with people, both internal team members and external customers. As he puts it, “There is always something new to learn and each day there is a new adventure to achieve.” This enthusiasm for continuous growth and human connection has been the cornerstone of his successful three-decade career.
A lifelong resident of the Chicago suburbs, Josue grew up in Wheeling, Illinois, with his parents and now resides in Algonquin, Illinois, with his husband. Coming from a large family with seven sisters and brothers, he treasures the time spent with his extended family, making it his top priority outside of work.
When he’s not leading his team, Josue finds his perfect escape on the beautiful blue beaches of Cancun, Mexico—his favorite travel destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Closer to home, he channels his nurturing spirit into gardening each summer, cultivating an impressive variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and other fresh produce that he shares with his large, close-knit family.
Reflecting on his career journey, Josue shares the most valuable advice he received from one of his District Managers: “Always treat your employees with respect and they will take pride in what they do because they want to show you that they appreciate you.” This philosophy has shaped his leadership approach and contributed to his success in developing strong, motivated teams.
For new members joining the Hamra Enterprises family, Josue offers heartfelt encouragement: “Hamra is a great organization to work for because they care about their employees and want them to succeed in anything they strive for.” This sentiment reflects his deep appreciation for the supportive culture that has enabled his continued growth and success within the organization.